Home from India by Ian Stevenson

Well we made it back. The traveling went well, however the trip took somewhat of toll. A few of us were struggling with some congestion and flu like symptoms upon return and one of us spent Sunday throwing up, but I believe we would all say it was worth it.

The team was incredible working together, encouraging each other and staying focused on our purpose throughout. Each person brought perspective, and insight to the various things we were involved with:

As I reflect on the time spent in Raxaul, playing with and encouraging the orphans, praying over, connecting and working with the young men Albert is training, praying over the lepers and talking about our partnership with Albert, it wasn’t necessarily easy and fun all the time, but God was clearly working. I will always remember the smiles and laughter. I will never forget, the looks in the eyes of the lepers just longing for us to pray for them. The time in Raxaul has a huge ripple affect as these folks all know we came half way around the world to show and share God’s love with them in very real and practical ways.

The time in Delhi at the Compassion International project in the slum was inspiring to us all. Pastor Abraham, Sundandita, the leader of the project, all the staff, the microfinance work and the 299 children in the project showed us how hope and empowerment is made possible through the local church, even in the most dire of circumstances, like we saw in that slum. I kid you not the smell, fly’s and living conditions there are indescribable, unforgettable and deplorable yet it is all these people know and it is amazing how God is working in the middle of it all.

Coming back after having had the opportunity to see and experience these things is always unique. You are always more grateful for our country and all God has blessed us with, good roads, order in the traffic system, systems for dealing with trash, water, electricity, housing … WE ARE SO BLESSED. So as we are reminded of how blessed we are the logical next question you tend to ask yourself is what am I/we doing with all I/we are blessed with? We can make such a difference in the life of a child, sponsoring them. We can share our heart, resources and things with others so they to can feel blessed. This team was a blessing on this trip and will continue to figure out how to be even more of a blessing.

Thanks to each one of you who were part of this trip with us! YOU ALSO WERE A BLESSING, and it was our honor to be the ones to deliver that to our friends in India.

ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 23, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on the church campus we will be having out INDIA CELEBRATION. Join us bring your friends and family, see the pictures, hear the stories!